Twisting by the Pool

When the folks at the resort at Dandeli promised us a five-star experience, and, in the same breath, said we’d be going ‘back to nature’, they had me thoroughly confused. A comfortable but modest establishment set in the heart of wilderness in the Dandeli forest, I saw no scope for five-star luxuries. Never again, however, will I underestimate the power of Mother Nature! I returned after an idyllic, unwinding weekend getaway packed with a whole lot of unusual activities.

The view en route

A scenic drive down the winding Western Ghats brought us down to the banks of the River Kali. We had our very own cottage with a patio, lush jungle all around and just a stone’s throw away from the river bank. A little walk around the resort revealed an infinity swimming pool, and a short while later we were told about a Jacuzzi as well. Living up to their promise of five-star comfort indeed! When they said ‘back to nature, though, they meant it literally.

The pool was a part of the river, placid and calm, cradled in the shadow of the Ghats on the opposite bank. A sizeable part of the river had been cordoned off by tree trunks to form a private pool, complete with step-ladder and everything, while the river rushed on just two feet away. Deck-chairs, the sun, beach towels, and our very own natural swimming pool!

A Calm Stretch of River

The Jacuzzi was not your run-of-the-mill fancy bath tub, nor one that could be purchased or made to order. A little way into the river, accessible by boat, the rocks formed a natural little cove wide enough for one person to wedge himself into. This cove happened to be at the base of a small rapid, and as you stand with your back to the rock, the force of the water flowing down massages away your aches and pains, and voila- you have your natural Jacuzzi with rich mineral water!

Apart from lazing around at the pool, the major activities at the camp included a jungle safari and river rafting. Rafting in Dandeli is more of a sit-back-and-relax experience when compared to the rapids at Rishikesh. A gorgeous stretch of river surrounded by thick forest on one side and the imposing Western Ghats on the other, the river has long, lazy stretches perfect for swimming in. The feel of the warm, early morning sun on your face as you idly float down the cold river, with a magnificent view on every side- it was unreal.

Our Raft

The rapids were a great experience as always, and we got quite a workout while maneuvering them. The river branched off into narrower streams at one point, and our guide decided that we were an adventurous bunch, and led us down an isolated, marshy stretch .Great green branches formed a canopy overhead and reeds tugged at the raft from below. We were warned against making loud noises lest we provoke some of the creatures lurking in the thicket of trees just a few feet away. The entire experience was very Tomb Raider like- deep greens, murky water and speckled sunlight, not knowing what lies around the next bend!

And that was it, an ideal weekend getaway in the Ghats of Karnataka, where the good folks of Dandeli showed me that the best things in life, sometimes, really are free.

- Malavika Bhattacharya

About the Blogger

Malavika

Malavika describes herself as a Hippie at Heart. Traveller, Writer. Waterbaby. Follow her blog at hot-steppin.blogspot.in

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